Sandwell Council is finalising plans to build 150 homes and a primary school near the new Midland Metropolitan University Hospital, with £20m in funding secured.
Smethwick: Exciting changes are coming to the area around the new hospital. Sandwell Council plans to build 150 homes and a primary school nearby. They’re investing £20 million to buy land and clear out old industrial buildings.
The council will meet on February 5 to accept a government funding offer. This includes £18 million from the government and £2 million from the council. The announcement was delayed due to last year’s general election.
The funding will help buy about eight-and-a-half acres of land. The plan is to demolish the old buildings and prepare the site for developers. The new homes will be available for shared ownership and affordable rent, but not as council-owned social housing.
The council noted that the state of the old buildings was discouraging developers. They believe this investment will change the area from industrial to residential. It’s a chance to revitalize the community.
Initially, the council applied for funding in 2022 but faced delays. The project was verbally approved last year, but the new Labour government reviewed the funding, causing further hold-ups. Finally, in October, the funding was confirmed, with a deadline to spend it extended to March 2028.
